just my opinion - obviously a regrettable situation for both parties. both could have walked away. depending on which media outlet you watch the versions vary but this case was given the full light of a court of law as provided by our constitution.
the charges were given to pacify the anti Zimmerman media and protestors but I believe that the prosecution sandbagged the case intentionally. they needed to look like they were trying but left enough of a reasonable doubt gap to let GZ slip thru. the verdict is a win not just for stand your ground and personal protection but solidifies our the need for open displaying our right and need to say I will not be a victim.
as far as the race issue it is the ONLY reason it became national news. there are many cases of black on white flat out murders -not self defense- that don't get near national coverage. I wouldn't even know about them if my friends on facebook hadn't posted them. the only racial slur used that night that I heard of came from travon not Zimmerman. GZ is Hispanic not white. why aren't there protests against Hispanics over this? how is he magically white for the sake of racial outrage? travon was the initiator of the physical violence. riots over this in a stand your ground concealed or open carry state only would have made dozens more travons. fear of riots isn't a reason to convict a man for murder.
will this case and verdict change people's view on violent confrontations? yes I hope so. will it make them think twice before engaging in such activities? hope so. the criminal element will always engage in such activities and hope they are targeting unarmed victims. that isn't going to change. hopefully this case showed people what every word, every action, every intent you had before and during a confrontation sounds like in a cold light of court.
this also drives home the absolute necessity of knowledge of law, maintaining control of a situation and carrying on the activity of a reasonable person. a reasonable person is the arbitrary bar that the law sets for such cases.
I've heard of retaliation against mr. Zimmerman. stupid but doesn't surprise me. his life is forever changed and will probably spend the rest of his life fearing reprisal against him and his family. my LEO experience tell me that those that threaten such retaliation NEVER commit it. anyone with serious intent wouldn't tell you ahead of time.
I wish well for the Zimmerman and Martin families. is this a victory for self defense? yes. are you more likely to be tried for a self defense case? probably.
you don't get to choose the race or situation of your attacker. they do. deadly threats come in all colors, ages, genders and sizes. the split second decision you make scared in the dark will be scrutinized by people for months in climate controlled offices, brightly lit in high back chairs well rested and with a bunch of letters after their names telling you what you should have done. I hope this never happens again to anybody but if it is one of us then please keep this in mind. be safe friends.
